EU plan could send coffee prices soaring over 300%, citrus up 80%

A proposed European Union plan could drastically inflate the price of essential goods, with coffee potentially seeing a price surge of over 300 percent. The regulations, if implemented, would also lead to an 80 percent increase in the cost of citrus fruits.

These potential price hikes have raised concerns among international trade organizations. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) contends that current global food safety standards are already robust enough to protect consumers. The association argues that the EU's new measures are unnecessary and could hinder smooth international trade.

The IFPA's stance suggests that the proposed EU plan might create significant barriers for agricultural exporters, impacting both producers and consumers worldwide. The association is advocating for the continued reliance on existing international standards, which they believe adequately ensure food safety without disrupting global commerce.